Seoul, South Korea – The U.S. Embassy in Seoul has announced the graduation of the latest cohort from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in the Republic of Korea. This initiative is a collaboration with Coupang, a Fortune 150 American technology company and the largest U.S.-based job creator in South Korea. AWE aims to provide entrepreneurs with essential knowledge, networks, and access needed to launch and scale successful businesses.
The ceremony took place at the Google Startup Campus in Seoul and was attended by notable figures such as U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Joy Sakurai and Coupang Vice President Helen Yoon. The event recognized 22 entrepreneurs who completed an intensive training program featuring workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Select participants received support to attend the SelectUSA Investment Summit.
DCM Sakurai emphasized entrepreneurship's role in economic growth and innovation during her remarks: “Today’s event goes beyond highlighting your individual achievements, [it] also reflects our countries’ shared strategic priorities, especially in the field of advanced technology.” She further acknowledged Coupang's commitment to promoting tech innovation internationally.
The AWE program equips participants with practical business skills through a curriculum covering business planning, financial management, leadership, and more. Participants also had opportunities to connect with industry experts.
Coupang's involvement has been pivotal in expanding the program's reach this year, providing Korean women entrepreneurs with resources for local economic development. The company's partnership with the State Department supports economic prosperity in both the United States and the Indo-Pacific region.
By fostering entrepreneurship, AWE strengthens trade ties between South Korea and the United States while contributing to mutual prosperity through shared priorities like AI innovation.
The program highlights international collaboration's positive impact on entrepreneurship and aligns with efforts to modernize U.S.-ROK relations around common economic goals. EntrepreneurFutures Network and Nuleep implemented AWE under a cooperative agreement.
For more information about AWE and future opportunities, visit the U.S. Embassy Seoul website.